Former MTV Canada VJ and Fashion Television correspondent Lauren Toyota is beloved by her fans, and a friend to all creatures great and small. She joined Humane Society International’s #BeCrueltyFree Canada campaign to end animal testing for cosmetics and espouses humane eating.

Asked about her support for the #BeCrueltyFree Canada campaign, Toyota said: “I think it’s important to bring awareness to animal testing of cosmetics because it’s an unnecessary practice that is ignored by the masses. No one talks about it and perhaps most people don’t even realize it’s something that’s still very prevalent. The reality is that it’s easier now more than ever to by cruelty-free beauty products and we should be voting with our purchases and supporting these brands and companies. At the end of the day I can use my voice to help play a part in abolishing animal testing practices in Canada and I won’t hesitate to do that!”

Click here to read more about her involvement with #BeCrueltyFree Canada.

Though banned in the European Union, Norway, Israel, India, and most recently New Zealand, animal testing for cosmetics still happens here in Canada – even though it’s not required by law. Rabbits, mice, rats and guinea pigs endure chemicals being forced down their throats, dripped into their eyes or smeared onto their skin – all without any pain relief.

More than 80,000 people so far say ‘no’ to cruel cosmetics in Canada – add your name to the #BeCrueltyFree Canada petition at www.BeCrueltyFree.ca